9 Best Cooperative Board Games For Kids
Are you tired of watching your children play video games with their phones all day? If you want a new method to level up your kids’ play without resorting to mobile phones, you can try card games or board games for a change.
The best way to get your children engaged and excited about games is by playing them with friends. Cooperative games are a great way for players of all ages and skill levels to get together.
Those games promote teamwork, logical thinking skills (deductive reasoning), social interaction as well as an appealing theme that will keep you entertained no matter what your mood is.
When the entire family has gathered around, it becomes an experience like no other. No matter who you are, an adult, teen, or a kid, you can find cooperative board games for all ages, so there is something for everyone. Family game night is a different experience entirely if we’re all working together towards a common goal.
In this guide, we will mention the 9 Best Cooperative Board Games For Kids to help you choose the best game that suits your needs.
Outfoxed A Cooperative Whodunit Board Game
Players : 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 20-30 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2018
In this kids’ game from the Gamewright Store, players have to roll the dice to find clues and reveal suspects. There are many suspects to reveal in this game, and each clue could be helpful throughout your quest.
The goal of this game and its instructions are both simple. The main goal, You must use the clues to eliminate all the suspects until you find the guilty fox.
Teamwork is essential in this game, so you have to strategize with your co-playing partners before the fox escapes and wins. There can only be one winning team, either you and your teammates or the guilty fox.
Many parents praise Outfoxed for being an easy-to-learn yet challenging introduction to more complicated board games.
This game is best for kids from five years old and above. It can be played with two to four players, so the parents can join their kids as well to share some quality time.
The game can last 20 to 30 minutes and is highly replayable because the strategy can change each round.
Pros
The game is based on both strategy and luck
Builds the trust and confidence in co-players.
Fun and enjoyable game for kids
The game is fast-paced and highly replayable.
Cons
Very young kids may not enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Outfoxed is a fun, interactive game that is perfect for kids who love to learn. It teaches children to practice important skills like deductive reasoning and memory while also cooperating with others.
This is the ideal game for parents looking to introduce their kids who are ready for board games. This board is simple enough that even your little one can play.
Castle Panic: Family Board Game
Players: 1=6
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2009
The Castle Panic board game is not just for little ones; even adults will have fun trying out this strategy game adventure. Up to 6 players can play this game, which means that the game can be played by kids and parents.
In this game, the castles are being invaded by monsters like goblins, orcs, or trolls. You and your team have to defeat all those invading monsters in order for the castle’s protection.
You don’t have to protect all the castles until the game ends. If you can only save one castle, you will win the game.
But you may try everything you can to save all the castles if that’s what you want. Castle Panic can be like an introduction to board games for all your kids and friends who have never experienced one before. And, in some cases, a reintroduction if you are an adult who hasn’t played for a long time.
The game is easy to understand, and after a few rounds, you might just find your children asking for more games of this type. The game has a high replay value because it offers many possible endings.
Pros
A user-friendly game that is best for kids, elders, and beginners.
Expansion packs available
Promotes strategic thinking
Comes with solo mode and cooperative mode as well.
The game is easy to learn and understand.
Cons
Professional players might find it a bit too easy.
The game has a bit of lengthy playtime for young players.
Final Thoughts
Castle Panic is a great game for adults and kids alike. You can enjoy it with your whole family. The rules are simple enough that even kids could play, but with challenges that will keep you entertained for hours on end.
Forbidden Island – The Cooperative Strategy Survival
Players: 2-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2010
Forbidden Island is another family-favorite game. It’s a fun, action-packed game that you’ll want to play again and again.
The game is perfect for children who love board games with an adventure and treasure theme. There are also a variety of different versions that include Forbidden Desert, Forbidden Sky, and more.
In this game, the gamers have to work together to find all the treasures before the island sinks and can no longer be found.
Through the game, there are missions that need to be completed and challenges that await you on your journey. A careful strategy will ensure success in these tasks because victory can only come through teamwork.
You have to select your moves wisely because you are restricted by a time limit. As it is a cooperative game, it doesn’t need all players to make it through until the end. One single survivor is enough to win the game.
For children who love to solve problems and come up with creative solutions, Forbidden Island is the best game for them. It’s a challenging game with suitable gameplay time, so it would be best for older kids and teens.
Pros
Encourage cooperation and teamwork.
A good method to teach kids how to set defined goals and make wise decisions
Enhance kids’ strategic skills and critical-thinking skills.
Cons
The game can be rather difficult for very young children.
A little luck-based
Final Thoughts
When the whole family is in need of some quality time together, there’s no better game to play than Forbidden Island. This action-packed adventure game will have everyone laughing and playing until their eyes are tired. It is also a good choice for kids who love treasure hunting and solving mysteries.
Ravensburger World of Disney Eye Found It Board Game
Players: 1-6
Ages: 4+
Game Time: 15 Minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2013
With the Disney Eye Found It Board Game, players can enjoy fun pictures of all their favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Belle, Tigger, Tinker Bell, Buzz Lightyear, Alice, Woodie, Elsa, and many more.
This game can be played solo and with a team. The goal of the game is to help Cinderella get home before midnight. You and your team have to work together and use your wits in order for you all to succeed.
Ravensburger’s Disney Eye Found It is a perfect game for children who are four years old and up. And It can accommodate up to six players at once, so there will always be a place available for more.
This is not just a great game for children but is perfect for adults to join in on the fun as well. It needs just 15 minutes to play and less than 5 minutes to learn, making it perfect for an easy, quick game night.
This enjoyable and challenging game is great for developing children’s critical thinking and motor skills. It will also help them enhance their memory retention, focus power, and object identification skills while having fun. Plus, it helps them learn how to cooperate and work together as a team.
Pros
Enhance observation and identification skills for kids.
The game has an instruction manual that is easy to read and understand.
You can play it solo or with a team, but it’s more fun in the cooperative mode.
Cons
Some of the game components are easy to lose.
Final Thoughts
If your kids are fans of the Disney world, then Disney Eye Found It Board Game is the perfect choice for them. The game comes with different pictures of the Disney characters for kids to enjoy while learning new skills.
Cahoots Cooperative Card Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 20 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2018
Cahoots is an excellent game for children 10-year-old and up. It can be played with 2 to 4 players, but it’s best enjoyed when you play it with 3 of your friends. The more players are, the more fun the game will be.
The game is inherently cooperative since players have to help each other in order for them all to win. The aim of this game is to accomplish various goals without telling any other players what cards you have.
Cahoots is all about quick thinking and speed as the players are restricted with limited time. You need to complete your goal before the timer stops. The game package comes with 50 goal cards and 56 number cards and rules to play.
The word cahoots has a literal meaning of working together or making plans to do something in secret. The best way for your kids to win this game is by working with them, which encourages cooperation and teamwork experience.
Pros
Encourage strategic thinking
co-op games
You can change the level of difficulty when you add or subtract goal cards
Each game has a different deck; It has a high replay value
Very easy for kids and beginners
Cons
Not recommended for those who like long, comprehensive board games.
Final Thoughts
Cahoots is a fun game for kids to play when learning new skills. The game is ideal for both adults and kids, and it’s easy enough that anyone in your family can play. As the game only lasts 20 minutes, it is the perfect game for a quick game night.
Mysterium Board Game: Base Game
Players: 2-7
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2015
In Mysterium Board Game, a murder was committed at a mansion called Warwick Manor. In this game, the players assume the identity of psychic investigators who are trying to determine what happened.
There is one player who will act like a ghost and guide them toward the culprit. The players have to work together and determine if the clues lead to the actual murderer.
The ghost is only able to communicate through visions that are depicted by cards. But the other players use intuition and clues given to them in order to find out what weapon was used, where the murder happened, or who is the killer.
With so many different weapons and locations available, the players will find themselves playing this game over and over again. Plus, there are also expansion sets available.
The game is perfect for a family game night, with each round taking about 45 minutes. The game can be played with a two-person as well. One player takes on the role of two psychics, while the other one becomes the ghost. However, the more players cooperate, the easier it will be to catch the right culprit. Finally, the game comes with an awesome combination of storytelling and versatility.
Pros
Fun and engaging theme
Doesn’t feel repetitive.
High-quality board and components
Suitable for kids and adults
Cons
Takes some time to set up
Final Thoughts
Mysterium is a cooperative game that is made for families, so it’s the perfect way to spend time together. It is the perfect choice for those who love to solve mysteries. While playing the role of the ghost or psychic investigator, you will have fun trying to guess what other gamers have in their minds.
Hanabi Card Game
Players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 30 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2018
Hanabi is an intense and engaging game that will force you to use all your skills. This game will test your mental concentration, memory, and deductive reasoning skills.
Hanabi is a very cooperative game; you can rely on your team if you lose focus or miss something. The rules are actually simple; all you need to do is to launch an amazing fireworks performance by creating a card pattern.
To playgame, each player holds their card so that only the other players can see it. You need their help and cooperation through the game. Players must give each other vital information and remember all the information they receive from others in order to choose which cards they will play next time.
Working together to make sure that each card is played at the right time can create an unforgettable experience.
The game is not only for children; adults and elders can play it as well. With the ability to develop your focus and concentration skills, you can develop your communication skills as well. You’ll be able to make connections with others by understanding their needs more clearly than ever before.
Pros
Encourage cooperation between players.
The game is perfect for those who dislike competitive games.
Fast player rotating and little downtime keeps everyone engaged
Perfect for taking anywhere
Develops social interaction skills.
Cons
Winning mainly depends on the ability of each gamer to share clues.
The amount of concentration required can be a lot for new players.
Final Thoughts
Hanabi is a game of concentration and memory. You’ll have to stay focused through the game to get the right clues. It is also a game of communication. It is a good game for a family member who wants to understand each other better.
Hoot Owl Hoot Cooperative Matching Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 4+
Game Time: 15 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2019
Similar to Disney’s Eye Found It, in this game, you need to help the owls to get back to their home before the sun comes up. If all the owls make it to the nest before the Sun Token reaches the end of the track, you win.
The best part about the Hoot Owl Hoot game is that it’s customizable. The difficulty level can be adjusted depending on who’s playing it, as it comes with Two levels of play. The game is ideal for older kids, teens, and even adults who want to play a simple yet engaging game.
Therefore, the Hoot Owl Hoot game is great for families with kids of all ages. The older siblings can teach the younger ones how to use their critical thinking skills while they play with them. When playing this fun game, kids will be able to strengthen their relationships with friends and family.
Pros
The game’s adjustable difficulty level is a huge plus.
Challenging and fun enough for adults who want to play with children and teens.
Enhance kids’ ability to cooperate with others.
Strategic thinking skills
Social skills
Planning ahead
Cons
The board game’s components are quite delicate and easy to destroy.
Final Thoughts
Hoot Owl Hoot is the perfect way to get the whole family together and have an enjoyable game night. In this simple game, players will gain social development skills, learn about simple strategies, and have fun without any reading required, making it a great choice for preschoolers.
5 – Minute Dungeon Card Game
Players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 5 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2021
5 – Minute Dungeon is perfect for kids who easily get bored during long playtime. It has enough strategy and challenge to keep them entertained. Also, it is easy enough for them to learn, so they’ll have plenty of fun playing with their friends.
In this game, The players are required to use their skills and tactics to escape the Dungeon within five minutes.
Through the game, There are obstacles you have to overcome and missions that need completing. As this is a cooperative game, it’s important that everyone involved in the team comes up with ideas and strategies together.
5 – Minute Dungeon card game is so fast-paced that you can’t take your time. It is designed for a five-minute time limit, so you need to be mindful when making your moves and how they are implemented.
This enjoyable game can take up to five players and is perfect not just for kids but for adults or elderly people as well. The game is a great way to spend time with friends and family, especially if you have small children.
Pros
No complicated rules or mechanics, beginner- and kid-friendly
Helps children practice working under pressure while cooperating with their teammates.
High replayability due to its fast-paced and different possible endings.
Problem-solving skills
Cons
Not recommended for kids who can not take fast actions
It can be played solo, but doing so is difficult.
Final Thoughts
5 – Minute Dungeon is a great way for families who have children of different ages to spend time together. In addition to being a collaborative game for kids, it is also suitable for small families.
This board game is also perfect for kids who love to explore and learn new things. They’ll be able to play it without getting bored quickly.
